Description
Indulgent Tuscan chicken pasta blends Italian flavors with rich, velvety sauce, creating a comforting meal that whisks you straight to Mediterranean kitchens. Cheesy, herb-infused goodness promises a delightful culinary escape with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on both surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
- Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic and cherry tomatoes in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and become vibrant green, about 2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious, velvety sauce. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Simultaneously, prepare fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package directions, cooking until al dente.
- Slice cooked chicken into diagonal strips and gently fold into the creamy sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Drain pasta thoroughly and plate, cascading the Tuscan chicken sauce over the noodles.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant garnish.
Notes
- Slice chicken against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor development.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains a luxurious texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions while keeping the rich, comforting essence intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 626 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg